Amex Blue Delta Card Benefits

Understanding the Amex Blue Delta Card

The American Express Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card is a popular choice for travelers, particularly those who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines. This card offers a variety of travel benefits and rewards points that can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and more. Understanding the specifics of the card’s benefits is crucial for cardholders to maximize their travel experiences and cost savings.

Travel Benefits Overview

To evaluate whether the Amex Blue Delta Card reimburses the cost of Clear, it's helpful to understand the overall travel benefits offered by the card. Here are some of the key features:

• Earn Miles: Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travelers can use the card abroad without incurring additional charges.
• First Checked Bag Free: Cardholders get the first checked bag free on Delta flights, which can save up to $60 per round trip.
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy main cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta flights.

What is Clear?

Clear is a biometric security service that allows travelers to bypass standard airport security lines, expediting their entry through checkpoints and offering a faster, more efficient airport experience. While TSA PreCheck focuses on speeding up the physical screening process, Clear allows users to verify their identity more quickly, complementing services like TSA PreCheck.

Clear Membership Cost

The cost of a Clear membership can vary, but as of recent years, the fee is generally around $189 per year. This cost allows travelers to use Clear lanes at participating airports and sports stadiums nationwide, offering a substantial convenience for frequent travelers.

Does the Amex Blue Delta Card Reimburse Cost of Clear?

Contrary to some premium travel credit cards, the Amex Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card does not provide reimbursement for Clear membership fees. Such reimbursements are commonly associated with more premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card, which includes credits for services like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and Clear. However, understanding the differences in card benefits for the Amex Blue Delta card is key for cardholders to optimize their travel strategy.

Financial Comparison: Amex Blue Delta vs. Cards with Clear Benefits

Maximizing Travel Benefits with Amex Blue Delta

Even without reimbursement for Clear, there are still plenty of opportunities to maximize the benefits of the Amex Blue Delta SkyMiles Card:

1. Strategic Spending: Use the card for Delta-related purchases to earn more miles, which can lead to free flights or upgrades.
2. Utilize Delta Benefits: Take advantage of the first checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding for cost savings and convenience.
3. Supplementary Cards: Consider adding supplementary cards for family members who often travel to earn more miles collectively.

Alternative Ways to Save on Clear Membership

If Clear membership is a high priority, cardholders can still find ways to save on its cost:

• Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for Clear promotions, which may offer initial discounts or extended trials.
• Frequent Flyer Discounts: Some frequent flyer programs, including Delta SkyMiles, occasionally offer discounts on Clear memberships.
• Family Plans: Clear offers family plans with discounts for additional memberships for family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stack Clear with TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Clear and TSA PreCheck can be used together. Clear expedites the identity verification process, allowing you to then proceed to TSA PreCheck lanes, making the entire airport process much faster.

Do other Delta cards offer Clear reimbursement?

Some Delta-branded cards, particularly those with higher annual fees, might offer credits towards Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, but it's uncommon for Delta co-branded cards to reimburse Clear specifically.

How can I enhance my travel experience if Clear is not reimbursed?

You can enhance your travel experience by using the Amex Blue Delta card strategically for Delta purchases, leveraging altitude and loyalty program benefits, and staying updated on any card upgrades or promotions that might offer additional travel perks.

Real-World Example

Suppose you are a frequent Delta flyer with an Amex Blue Delta card. You travel within the US and occasionally internationally. While Clear membership isn't reimbursed, you might decide to utilize the airline's own expedited services available to SkyMiles members. Alternatively, you might invest personally in Clear due to its value in saving time, especially during peak travel seasons.

In summary, while the Amex Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card does not reimburse the cost of Clear, it offers several other travel benefits and savings that can significantly enhance your flying experience. For those aligned with Delta Air Lines, maximizing mileage earnings and utilizing free checked bags and priority boarding can be beneficial. For travelers committed to services like Clear, alternative methods including promotional memberships or discounts through other rewards programs may be worth exploring. Always analyze the comprehensive benefits of your credit card compared to your travel habits to ensure you're maximizing value.